When Ian Johnson dropped to a knee to pop the question to
his girlfriend, Chrissy Popadics, romantics around the world let out a
collective “Ahhhhhh”, and Bronco Nation said to themselves, did that really
just happen? Boise State fans were
already emotionally spent following what was arguably the most exciting game in
the history of college football, and now had to shift their emotions from the
thrill of victory to the thrill of seeing a couple begin the rest of their lives
together on a national stage. The
Johnsons marriage will forever be linked with Boise State Football because of
that one amazing moment, and although they are probably the most high profile
example of “Bronco Love”, they are not the only ones.
As
Bronco fans, we all love Boise State football,
but for many of us, just like the Johnsons, that love goes hand in hand
with the our own true loves: our
wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends and kids.
We have met our significant others at games, gone on first dates to see
the Broncos, even named our kids after coaches and players.
And if you are like my family, game day during football season is more
than just going to a football game, it is a day to hang out with family and
enjoy a day of good food and good friends, and share a common love with all.
It is even more special when your family is connected to
Boise
State
football the way some of the posters from Bronco Country.com are.
1974
was
Boise
State
’s first year as a university, and the year Longtimebronco
and his wife went on their first date. There
are not many in Bronco Nation that could tell you who the Broncos played on
September 21st of that year, but Longtimebronco
can. “My
wife is as big a BSU fan as anyone.
It started 36 years ago when our first date was to a Boise State
Football game. I do not remember a lot about the game except we played Cal
State Chico and won pretty handily.”
He also said, “I guess I should not have been surprised when my wife
came last spring and said that we should go to
Washington
D.C.
to watch the Broncos play. We have been to both New Years Day Fiesta Bowl
games and numerous away games.”
How many remember the game on November 17, 2001? I
know I was there, but I couldn’t tell you who we played or what happened
without looking it up. Gogoboisestate and his wife can tell you, as this
was the day they first started dating.
“We went
to the game between
San Jose
and
Boise
on
Nov 17, 2001
. Left Twin Falls in decent weather, so of course we were styling in
new leather jackets. We headed up with a large group but somehow we got
the tickets that put us by ourselves. Nice, but at the same time disappointing.
The rain came and it turned out to be a downpour. Leather jackets are
horrible in rain along with jeans. So when we were leaving I asked her if
she would like to be my girlfriend. The Broncos spanked
San Jose
56-6 in a down pour. This
experience was the beginning of what we are now—husband and wife! And
yes we stayed the entire game. It was great.”
Forseyfan11
did not meet his girlfriend of five years at a Bronco game, but it has
become a major part of their relationship. “We
now make a yearly road-trip with the Broncos and call it a date/vacation. We
have traveled to Eugene/ The Coast for
Oregon
, The Poinsettia Bowl/
Las Vegas
, and the Fiesta Bowl/Las Vegas. Next season we are traveling to Virginia Tech/Washington D.C. and maybe
New York
. Another thing that makes these all
a little different is we drive (Since we are still poor college students).”
Many of
us have stayed up late cheering on the Broncos while our significant others have
tried to sleep. I know I have gotten
the “are you still up?” look from my wife, either towards the end of a game
or immediately after, as I am perusing the internet for stories.
Unlike Bronco Country poster Sunthas,
I did not, however, do it the night before my wedding.
“The day before my wedding was the rehearsal dinner, and the
Fresno
vs.
Boise
State
game in 09. We did the rehearsal dinner and then we tried to go out to the bars
to watch the game but it was packed, so we came back to my house. My bride was
trying to sleep for the big day, but we kept her up with all the cheering from
that amazing game.”
And
me? Yes I also have a story.
Back in 2002 I had just met a wonderful girl from
Oklahoma
(yes, a Sooner). We proceeded to
have a long distance relationship, and I knew she was the one.
I planned a trip for us to meet in
Reno
on the weekend of the
Boise
State
–
Nevada
game, and I was going to pop the question.
The week before the trip, I went shopping to buy the ring, but first I
purchased her a
Boise
State
fleece for her to wear while she was there.
Needless to say, I asked her to marry me, and we haven’t missed a trip
to
Reno
since.
Still
a Sooner at heart, she now has a season ticket to Bronco Football, and attends
every tailgate and every game with me, cheering on the Broncos as if they were
her own. She was even pulling for
the Broncos towards the end of that famous game on
January 1st, 2007
.
If
that is not love, I don’t know what is.
Happy Anniversary Lindsey!